Today, WhatsApp is used not only for communicating with friends and family, but also for business, payments, and sharing important information. This is why WhatsApp scams are on the rise. Fraudsters use various methods to gain personal information and money by intimidating, luring, or gaining people's trust.
1. Beware of messages from unknown numbers
If you suddenly receive a message, link, or offer from an unknown number, don't trust it immediately. Be especially wary of messages claiming to offer a prize, job, investment, or money.
2. Never share OTP
Don't share the OTP, PIN, or verification code associated with your WhatsApp or any other account with anyone. Someone posing as a bank employee, police officer, or WhatsApp representative may ask for the code.
3. Do not click on suspicious links
Messages like "You've won a prize," "Your account is about to be closed," or "Click here to receive payment" could be part of a scam. Always check the authenticity of such links before opening them.
4. Be careful with video calls and profiles
Sometimes scammers create fake profiles using someone else's photo. If someone you know suddenly asks for money, call them and confirm their identity instead of relying on a WhatsApp message.
5. Check WhatsApp's Privacy Settings
Be sure to check your settings for who can see your profile photo, last seen, status, and other information. Don't share too much personal information with strangers.
6. Verify before sending money
If a relative or friend asks for money citing an emergency, don't make the payment immediately. First, contact them through another medium to confirm.
7. Block and report suspicious accounts
If an account seems suspicious, stop communicating with it and use WhatsApp's Block and Report options.
PC: Rochak Khabre
